Giovinazzi set for F1 return with Haas

Sam Hall
Monday 22 August 2022 11:11 - Updated: 11:21

Antonio Giovinazzi is set to make his F1 return with Haas in Italy and the USA.

The 28-year-old has served as the Ferrari reserve driver this season while also racing in Formula E after leaving Alfa Romeo at the end of 2021.

In order to create space for the Italian, both Mick Schumacher and Kevin Magnussen will sit out an FP1 session.

Giovinazzi most recently drove in an official F1 session at last year's controversial season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“I’m so glad to have the chance to drive again in official F1 sessions,” said Giovinazzi.

"Besides simulator driving, it is important to test a true car and I can’t wait to put my suit and helmet back on.

"It’ll be an opportunity to get confident with the new generation cars – it’s the best way to be ready if I were called as reserve driver. Driving on challenging and exciting tracks as Monza and COTA makes it even more thrilling."

Haas relishing Giovinazzi return

Haas has previous experience with Giovinazzi as the 28-year-old lapped for the team in FP1 sessions in 2017.

Reflecting on this relationship, team principal Guenther Steiner added: "We’re happy to welcome Antonio Giovinazzi back to the team for the two FP1 outings.

"Ferrari was keen to give Antonio some seat time in a current-spec Formula 1 car on a race weekend and we were naturally happy to assist.

"We enjoyed a similar situation back in 2017 with Antonio and Ferrari. The clear difference between then and now is the experience he’ll have gained competing for the previous three seasons in Formula 1 and the feedback he’ll be able to give us in Italy and America.

"I’m looking forward to seeing Antonio again and having him back in the paddock with us."

This move does not satisfy the new F1 regulation for 2022 that mandates teams must run a rookie in at least two FP1 sessions.

For the avoidance of doubt, F1 defines a rookie as someone that "may not have participated in more than two F1 world championship races during their career".